There are two major changes to the "Thursday Night Football" schedule this season. The first is that CBS will now air eight early-season games before the NFL Network takes over in November. The second is that Saturday games are returning, with NFL Network handling both bouts in Week 16.

Let's take a closer look at the most interesting matchups on the Thursday night slate.

Least anticipated

Week 16, Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars and Titans can't be blamed for the relative lack of coverage they receive in America's most-analyzed professional sports league. They can be blamed for failing to reach the postseason during the past half-decade when the entire system is designed for parity. Until each of these cities finds a face of the franchise, we will be treated to the likes of Jake Locker versus Chad Henne.

Biggest rivalry

Week 2, Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens: The current smashmouth rivalry between the Seahawks and 49ers is what the Steelers and Ravens matchups offered just a few years ago. Baltimore is only a season removed from winning the Super Bowl and now features an upgraded offense. Pittsburgh was one of the hottest teams in the NFL down the stretch, winning six of its final eight games. This game sets the tone in a wide-open AFC North.

Obligatory NFC East game

Week 4, New York Giants at Washington Redskins: The NFC Beast was once the league's fiercest division. Now it limps by on reputation alone. These two teams combined for fewer than 10 wins last season, but they are always guaranteed to draw eyeballs.